Merchandise display cabinet



Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets$heet 1 INVENTOR.

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MERCHANDI SE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets-Sheet 5 UH L INVENTOR.

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MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets$heet s /007 2 F j Y 1% 3 "705 INVENTOR.

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Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets-Sheet 6 IINVENTOR filmRQac/ek FIG-25 Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTOR.

John BBadek Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 I 18 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR. John RPade/c .1. R. RADEK MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Jan. 10, 1967 18 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Jan. 2, 1964 k m@ ,5 IR .7

Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDI SE DI SPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets-Sheet 1O F163? Jolz ng zk Jan. 10, 1967 .1. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDI SE DISPLAY CABINET 18 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Jan. 2, 1964 I NVENTOR.

John E Padek BY a A A J. R. RADEK MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Jan. 10, 1967 18 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed Jan. 2, 1964 INVENTOR. John RPaciek Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET 18 Sheets-Sheet 15 Filed Jan. 2, 1964 INVENTOR. J hn 2.12ade/z BY ZZZ Q 2 Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 e ts-sh e l4 INVENTOR.

Jo/z n EBade/a J. R. RADEK MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Jan. 10, 1967 18 Sheets-Sheet 15 Filed Jan. 2, 1964 h RB ZI IS Tl a 8 flew Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets-Sheet 1-5 INVENTOR.

John E. Badck igs Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK MERCHANDISE DISPLAY CABINET 18 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 2, 1964 FIG. 66

IN VENTOR. Jbhn RBadele Jan. 10, 1967 J. R. RADEK 3,297,374

MERCHANDI SE DI SPLAY CABINET Filed Jan. 2, 1964 18 Sheets-Sheet l8 INVENTOR.

John Ekadek Patented Jan. 10, 1t7

3,297,374 MERCHANDISE DISPLAY (IABINET John R. Radon, Hinsdaie, 111., assignor to Ready Metal Mfg. Co., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Jan. 2, 1964, Ser. No. 335,329 11 Claims. (1. 312-108) This application is in part a continuation of my copending application S.N. 273,119, filed April 15, 1963, and now abandoned.

My invention relates to cabinets intended primarily for storage and the display of merchandise in a retail store, such as a department store or the like.

A particular object of my invention is to provide a cabinet of the type referred to which may be fabricated in quantity by mass production methods, preferably out of parts formed of sheet metal, molded plastic, or the like and supported by frame elements produced from moreor-less standard shapes.

A further and major object of my invention is to provide a cabinet of the type referred to which will have a high degree of versatliity. It is contemplated by my invention that the frame elements and other parts may be supplied to the user in knockdown condition, making for convenient and inexpensive transportation and storage, and may be employed by the user to construct a wide variety of cabinets of different types and capacities; for example, by varying the arrangement of the components, one may assemble them variously to provide bins, compartments, tables, etc. of various sizes and capacities.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an arrangement of the type referred to which is capable of extension or multiplication to any desired limit as to the number and kind of bins, compartments, tables, etc. Thus, a retailer may equip his shop by means of my invention so as to provide cabinets, display units, etc., extending along an entire side of a wall, the frame elements, etc., being so designed as to be interfitting, so that, when multiplied and combined with generally similar adjacent units, the entire combination will provide a unit assembly having not only a high degree of utility but also a pleasing appearance, thus adding markedly to the visual attractiveness of the store furnishings.

Still another object is to provide a knockdown cabinet of the type referred to having a readily detachable hinged access door which may be readily detached when desired to provide selectively an open-shelf unit or closed cabinet.

Another object is to provide a knockdown drawer especially suitable for cabinets embodying my invention.

Still another object is to provide, in cabinets of the type referred to, standard shelves which may be used alternatively in open or closed cabinets.

Still another object is to provide knockdown cabinets of the type referred to which may be erected alternatively against a wall or remote from a Wall, the framing being so designed that cabinets may be erected on opposite sides of a median skeleton. Obviously, such an arrangement tends toward economy of parts and reduction of costs, inasmuch as the cabinets can be substantially duplicated, extending in opposite directions from a median skeleton framing without duplication of the frame. Such an arrangement is referred to herein as a tandem unit.

An important advantage inherent in my invention is that during a slack season, when inventories are reduced, it is possible for a merchant to take down and store in a minimum of space, as in a store room, that portion of his cabinetry as is not immediately required for the housing and display of merchandise, thus yielding floor space for other purposes.

Another object is to provide improved knock-down drawer construction adapted, in knock-down condition,

to occupy a minimum of space, thus making for convenient shipment.

Various other objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring now to the drawings forming a part of this specification and illustrating certain preferred embodiments of my invention,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tandem frame structure with drop front cabinets and promotional display mounted thereon in accordance with my invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of an end frame structure embodied in the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a similar view of an intermediate frame structure embodied in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 55 of FIG. 3; 1

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a top stretcher bar as an element of the skeleton frame seen in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the bar shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a base beam constituting an element of the frame shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the element shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tandem frame assembly generally similar to that of FIG. 1, with base shelves assembled therewith;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the end frame elements shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, in combination with a promotional frame;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper end portion of the frame shown in FIG. 10, viewed from the opposite side from that of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of a corner portion of a shelf in relation to the adjacent frame portions, as seen in FIG. 10, showing the manner of attachment thereof;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a modified arrangement of display shelving;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective detail showing means for attaching frame elements for mounting promotional displays;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective detail illustrating means for elongating an outrigger beam;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section, partly in elevation, of the parts shown in FIG. 16;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views illustrating means for elongating a shelf-supporting bracket;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view showing an outer extremity of an outrigger in connection with a double shelf-supporting clip;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of an outrigger in association with other frame elements together with a single shelf-supporting clip;

FIGS. 22-29, inclusive, are fragmentary perspective views illustrating successive steps in the assembly of a drop-front cabinet constituting one embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary vertical front-to-rear sectional view partly in elevation, of a completed storage unit and supporting frame as seen in FIG. 1;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary plan-section of the parts shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 32-32 of FIG. 30;

FIGS. 33-38, inclusive, are fragmentary perspective views illustrating successive steps in the assembly of another embodiment of my invention, a double dropfront unit including an add-on shelf;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a tandem frame structure embodying a modified form of my invention;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale showing the first stage in assembling a cabinet or housing for my improved knock-down drawer on the frame of FIG. 39;

FIGS. 41 and 42 are perspective views of accessory brackets employed in connection with this embodiment of my invention;

FIGS. 43 and 44 are perspective views showing further stages in the assembly of the same cabinet;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing a later stage in said assembly, with a drawer partially inserted in the cabinet and a cover or shelf being assembled therewith.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a front panel of my improved konck-down drawer;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the front panel and bottom assembled therewith.

FIG. 48 is sectional view on an enlarged scale, taken substantially along line 48-48 of FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a perspective of the drawer bottom, front and back panels assembled together;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the same with a side panel partially assembled therewith;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of a clamp member employed in said knock-down drawer;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of said drawer completely assembled;

FIG. 53 is a side elevational view of said drawer;

FIG. 54 is a fragmentary sectional view of a drawer corner, taken substantially along line 5454 of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 5555 of FIG. 53;

FIG. 56 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 56-56 of FIG. 53;

FIG. 57 is a fragmentary elevational view of a corner of the drawer on an enlarged scale, taken substantially along a plane represented by line 5757 of FIG. 53;

FIG. 58 is a vertical sectional view taken through the drawer housing, with a drawer disposed therein;

FIG. 59 is a side elevational view of a side panel of the drawer housing seen in FIG. 40;

FIG. 60 is a detailed elevational view of a roller-guide track before its assembly with the side panel of the FIG. 61 is a fragmentary detailed section on an enlarged scale taken substantially along line 6161 of FIG. 58;

FIG. 62 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially long line 62 62 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 63 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 63-63 of FIG. 58;

FIG. 64 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view through the housing and drawer taken substantially alon line 64-64 of FIG. 45;

FIG. 65 shows in perspective my improved knock down drawer partially assembled with the housing, and a carton for same when the drawer is knocked down for shipment;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view showing all of the drawer parts before assembly and packing thereof for shipment in the package seen in FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view, showing part of the same skeleton frame seen in FIG. 39, together with a pair of cabinets for drawers or the like;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing an improved merchandise bin assembled in the same housing;

FIG. 69 is a front perspective view of the bin shown in FIG. 68 and FIG. 70 is a rear perspective view of said bin.

My invention contemplates the use of a skeleton frame based primarily on uprights usually formed of steel and provided with closely spaced elongated slots for the reception of bayonet-type hook elements for the support of various kinds of shelving, brackets, etc., etc. Representative types of such slotted uprights are shown in FIGS.

2-5, inclusive, and will be seen to be generally rectangular in cross-section. Thus, in FIGS. 2 and 4 are shown uprights 10 slotted on opposite walls as at 11.

A different form of upright 16a, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, including a double row of slots 11 on opposite flanges 1212 of this post is especially designed not only for the support of adjacent units but also on opposite sides of the main frame in What is referred to herein as tandem arrangement, as seen in FIG. 1.

Posts 10 will normally rest on the floor, with or without casters, and the latter may be threadedly arranged for levelling purposes. My preferred supporting structure includes an outrigger 15 for each post, and preferably a pair of oppositely extending outriggers in the tandem arrangement shown in FIG. 1. These outriggers, which may be permanently secured to a post 10 as by welding, or detachably connected thereto by means of bayonet hooks engageable in the slots, are preferably of square tubular form with a terminal foot portion 16 which may, if desired, be provided with a caster.

The posts 10 are connected to each other by any suitable means such as top stretcher bars 18, as seen in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7. The bar 18 in this instance is adapted to join a group of three posts 10. Said stretcher bar is preferably of square tubular section and provided with terminal notches 19 and intermediate notches 20 whereby the bar may be seated in recesses 22 (FIGS. 2 and 3) cut in the top of the posts. By this arrangement a rigid tie is provided for adjacent posts.

At or near the lower extremities of the posts 10 connecting beams 23 (FIGS. 8 and 9) are provided. These beams, as shown, are designed especially for use on tandem units as seen in FIG. 1; by obvious modification, substantially similar elements may be used on wall units. Beams 23, in the form shown, comprise a pair of plates 25, 25, joined together in parallel relation by suitable bridging elements 26, 27, preferably welded thereto, while a channel 29 having a longitudinal groove 30 therein is mounted on the top of beam 23. Bayonet hooks 32 at the ends of the beam are engageable in slots of a post. Swivelled or slideable locking dogs 35 are provided at opposite ends of the respective plates 25, 25, these dogs 35 being engageable in the slots engaging hooks 32, which slots may be somewhat oversize, for wedging beam 23 in position and thus effecting a rigid support at or near the base of the posts.

In the construction shown in FIG. 1, I provide not only a tandem arrangement for opposite disposed storage or display devices but also, as seen at the left of FIG. 1, a transversely disposed storage and display arrangement at the end of the tandem framing. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, Outriggers 15' are attached to the end of Outriggers 15, as by means of screws, etc. Resting on Outriggers 15' is a transversely extending inwardly grooved frame 38 which may support one or more panels for the display of any desired promotional material in the natrue of posters, etc. Said promotional material may be in the form of cardboard, plywood, etc., mounted within the frame or frames 38. Mounted above frame 38, if desired, is an upstanding frame 38 (FIG. 10). The frames 38, 38' may conveniently be formed of individual sections of tubular or other material screwed or otherwise secured together. If desired, the vertical posts of said frames may be slotted for attachment of hooksupported cantilever brackets, etc., whereby shelving or other units may be hung on the frame.

Referring to FIG. 12, means is provided for imparting rigidity to the structure just described comprising a bracket 42 of L-shaped section having a pair of spaced ears 45 which extend into notches formed in the top of post 10 and are apertured to receive screws for attaching said bracket to the post. The vertical flange of bracket 42 is provided with'spaced slots 43 to receive screws for attachment of cross-bar 18'.

As seen in FIG. 14, shelves 48 may be provided to rest 

7. IN KNOCK-DOWN MERCHANDISE DISPLAY AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT, (A) FRAME MEANS COMPRISING AT LEAST A PAIR OF UPRIGHTS AND A STRETCHER CONNECTING ADJACENT UPRIGHTS, (B) A FLOOR SUPPORTED OUTRIGGER DETACHABLY CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID UPRIGHTS AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY FROM THE PLANE DEFINED BY SAID UPRIGHTS, (C) A FIRST PAIR OF HOUSING PANELS EACH DETACHABLY SECURED TO A RESPECTIVE UPRIGHT AND OUTRIGGER AND DISPOSED VERTICALLY IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER, (D) A SECOND PAIR OF HOUSING PANELS EACH STACKED ON A RESPECTIVE ONE OF SAID FIRST PAIR OF OUTER PANELS AND IN COPLANAR RELATIONSHIP THEREWITH, (E) A RECEPTACLE ARRANGED TO BE RECEIVED IN THE SPACE BETWEEN AT LEAST ONE OF SAID PAIRS OF PANELS, AND (F) COOPERATING MEANS CARRIED ON AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF SAID PANELS AND ON SAID RECEPTACLE FOR SUPPORTING SAID RECEPTACLE FOR SLIDING MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID OUTER PANELS. 